Neil E. Bishop

BANGOR - Neil E. Bishop, 87, died Jan. 28, 2014 at a Bangor health care facility, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born March 22, 1926 in Presque Isle, son of Everett E. and Jennie (Lovely) Bishop.

He graduated from Presque Isle High School Class, of 1947. Neil served in the US Navy aboard the USS Topeka CL-67 in the Pacific during WW II. Upon his return from the war, he graduated from Ricker College, Houlton in 1951. In 1957, he married Natalie Johnston. Neil worked for the US Post Office in Presque Isle and in 1976, transferred to Bangor. In 1990 he retired from the postal service. Neil began his second career in 1993, at Bangor International Airport, where he worked in security until 2008. For over 20 years Neil was proud to serve as a Troop Greeter at BIA. He was a member of the VFW Post #2599, and the American Legion Post #88, both of Presque Isle. He was also a member of Trinity Lodge #130 A.F.&A.M., Presque Isle, Scottish Rite Bodies, Valley of Bangor, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction 32 degree, Bangor and Portland, and Anah Shriners. He was also a life member of Lunar Chapter #126 ,OES of Presque Isle. Neil enjoyed dancing, hunting, spending time at his camp on East Grand Lake, attending his navy reunions and traveling around the country with his wife.

He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Natalie, and two brothers, Dana and Vaughn and by an infant sister, Jennie Arline. Surviving are two sons, John E. Bishop and his wife, Maria-Eugenia of Groton, MA., James C. Bishop and his wife, Julia of Bangor; five grandchildren, Angelica, Gabriel and Julian, all of Groton, MA., Joshua and Jenna of Bangor.

Relatives and friends are invited to call 7-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 at St. John's Episcopal Church, 225 French St., Bangor, with the Rev. Canon Mary Ann Taylor, Pastoral Associate, officiating. Spring interment will be in Fairmount Cemetery, Presque Isle. The family invites relatives and friends to share conversation and refreshments at the Family Reception Center of Brookings-Smith, 163 Center St., Bangor, following the service Saturday. Gifts in his memory may be sent to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, C/O Anah Shrine Center, 586 Main St., Bangor, 04401, or a charity of one's choice. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.